Johnny Griffin
Johnny Griffin | |
|---|---|
Griffin performing in 2007 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | John Arnold Griffin III |
| Born | April 24, 1928 Chicago, Illinois, U.S |
| Died | July 25, 2008 (aged 80) Availles-Limouzine, France |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation | Musician |
| Instrument | Tenor saxophone |
| Years active | 1940s–2008 |
| Labels | Blue Note, Riverside |
John Arnold Griffin III (April 24, 1928 – July 25, 2008) was an American jazz tenor saxophonist. Nicknamed "the Little Giant" for his short stature and forceful playing, Griffin's career began in the mid-1940s and continued until the month of his death. A pioneering figure in hard bop, Griffin recorded prolifically as a bandleader in addition to stints with pianist Thelonious Monk, drummer Art Blakey, in partnership with fellow tenor Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis and as a member of the Kenny Clarke/Francy Boland Big Band after he moved to Europe in the 1960s. In 1995, Griffin was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Music from Berklee College of Music.